The pigeon said there was less pressure from migrants, but the numbers say otherwise.

Over the weekend, Slovenian police conducted extensive operations along the southern border, apprehending a total of 267 illegal migrants and one stowaway. The actions took place across multiple locations in the Brežiška, Črnomeljska, and Metliška regions, with authorities continuing their efforts into the following days. The Brežiška police arrested 39 individuals from Bangladesh, 33 from Afghanistan, 15 from Egypt, 14 each from Pakistan and Palestine, nine from Morocco, seven from Turkey, six each from Algeria and Iran, four from India, three each from Ghana and China, two each from Somalia, Congo, Tunisia, and Nigeria, and one each from Syria, Sierra Leone, Burundi, and Lebanon. These arrests occurred in areas including Obrežje, Dobova, Rigonc, Slovenska vas, Rakovče, Nova vas pri Mokricah, Ribnica, Brezi pri Veliki Dolini, Loč, Mostec, Brežic, Jereslavče, Dvorc, and Kapele. In the Črnomeljska region, officers detained 40 individuals from Sudan, 19 from Afghanistan, ten from Morocco, eight from Bangladesh, six from Jordan, three from Pakistan, and one each from Algeria and Somalia. The arrests were made near Žuniči, Novi Lipi, Marindol, Preloka, Damlja, Vrhovci, and Vinica. Meanwhile, in the Metliška area, seven Turkish nationals were captured near Želebej. Police operations involving undocumented migrants continue, according to officials. In addition to these arrests, police stopped a personal vehicle registered in Italy near Krška vas on Friday around 10 a.m. The driver, a 67-year-old Italian man, was found to have transported six Turkish nationals illegally within his car. Authorities seized the vehicle, detained the stowaways, and placed the driver under investigation for violating border regulations. The Turkish migrants requested international protection. The operations spanned several days and involved coordinated efforts among different police units stationed along the southern border. The number of arrests highlights the ongoing challenge faced by Slovenian authorities in managing migration flows through the country’s borders. The arrested individuals come from a wide range of countries, indicating diverse migration patterns and routes being used to reach Slovenia. Many of the migrants reportedly sought asylum or international protection upon arrest. The police emphasized that the operations are part of a broader strategy to secure national borders and prevent unauthorized entry into the country. Authorities have confirmed that further investigations are underway regarding the cases of both the driver and the migrants. The legal proceedings against the Italian man will determine whether he faces charges related to facilitating illegal immigration. Meanwhile, the migrants who requested international protection will undergo formal asylum processes. The scale of the operation underscores the complexity of managing migration in the region, particularly given the proximity of Slovenia to other European Union member states and the challenges posed by irregular migration flows. Police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining security while ensuring compliance with international obligations regarding the treatment of asylum seekers. The situation continues to evolve, with police reporting that additional arrests could occur depending on the outcomes of current investigations and the movement of migrants along the border. Officials have not yet commented on potential policy changes or increased resources allocated to address the issue.